KwaZulu-Natal Classic: from Durban to Richards Bay

Ballito is a famous tourist destination in KwaZulu-Natal, about 40 kilometers north of Durban. Ballito is a lively seaside town on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, north of Durban, famed for its subtropical climate and golden beaches washed by the Indian Ocean. The social hub of this stretch of coast, it blends sheltered bays ideal for swimming with long sandy shores where surfers gather, while a seafront promenade links coves, tidal pools and viewpoints. The warm waters are visited by dolphins and, in season, by migrating whales, while the reefs invite snorkelling and diving. The town boasts restaurants, cafés and boutiques that liven up the evenings, and makes a convenient base for excursions into the Zulu hinterland and nearby reserves. Ballito is the perfect destination for sea, sun and relaxation with a touch of buzz.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first natural site in South Africa to earn the distinction, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park stretches along the KwaZulu-Natal coast for more than three hundred kilometres, enclosing an extraordinary mosaic of ecosystems. The village of St Lucia, a lively gateway, sits where the great estuary meets the Indian Ocean: its waters are home to hundreds of hippos and Nile crocodiles, best seen on a sunset boat cruise. All around stretch lakes, marshes, coastal forests, some of the world's tallest dunes and pristine beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. The Zulu name "iSimangaliso" means "miracle", and rightly so: here you can spot elephants, rhinos, leopards and an exceptionally rich birdlife, while whales and dolphins pass offshore. St Lucia is the perfect meeting of safari, ocean and untamed nature, in one of Africa's most precious environmental sanctuaries.

Located in KwaZulu-Natal province, in north-eastern South Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve lies approximately 250 km north of Durban and is one of Africa’s oldest protected areas. The reserve features a diverse landscape of grassy plains, forests, hills, valleys and riverine areas, creating different habitats and supporting a rich variety of wildlife. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is particularly renowned for rhino conservation and exceptional wildlife viewing. The reserve is home to the Big Five, including both white and black rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and African wild dog. Its varied habitats also support a rich birdlife, with numerous resident and migratory species. Main activities include daytime and night game drives, allowing visitors to explore the reserve and observe wildlife during both daylight and nocturnal hours. Self-drive safaris are also possible, offering greater freedom to discover the reserve at an independent pace. The dry season, generally from May to September, is considered a favourable period for wildlife viewing, as thinner vegetation and reduced water availability tend to concentrate animals around water sources. The area offers a variety of accommodation options, including lodges and camps located within and around the reserve, providing different ways to experience a safari close to nature. The reserve can be reached by road from Durban in approximately three hours, while the main airport gateway is Durban King Shaka International Airport.